By Chris Parker
El Dorado Springs football experienced some growing pains in coach Kelley Beckner’s first season, as he brought a completely new offense to the Bulldog football program.
“Last year was learning curve for everyone involved with the El Dorado Springs football program,” Beckner said. “We completely changed our identity on offense and through that time comes some aches and pains. Finishing last year at 4-6, we truly felt those aches and pains. However, I was extremely proud of last year’s team and it is one I will always remember.”
The leader of that offense returns in senior all-conference quarterback Clayton Collins. Collins will also play on defense at defensive back.
“It will be his second year running the show and he has worked hard this offseason to improve his game,” Beckner said. “I am anxious to see his work translate on to the field.”
Fellow senior Gaven Morgan will join Collins in the backfield at running back while also playing receiver. He earned first-team all-conference honors at tight end last year. Morgan was also a first-team all-conference selection at linebacker.
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“(He) will play every spot on the field. He is one of the truest forms of a football player, and good one at that,” Beckner said. “Our chances to score go up when the ball is in Gaven’s hands. The dude can flat out play ball.”
Two strong receivers in Preston Robison and Ian Esry return. Both will also be key players at defensive back. Robison earned third-team all-conference honors at defensive back last year.
“There is nothing I don’t love about this kid (Robison). And that is not even starting to talk about his athletic abilities. When you need someone to step up, on or off the field to help the program, he’s it,” Beckner said. “(Esry) will only get better. He is still getting use to the pigskin in his second year with the program, joining from basketball and baseball. (He) will help a tremendous amount with the deep threat or quick routes. (He) can also cover ground from the safety sport. I am really excited about his season coming up.”
Seniors Trey Graves, Stephen Painter and Levi Thomas all return to the offensive line. Painter earned third-team all-conference honors on the offensive line. Defensively, Graves is a key at linebacker after securing more than 100 total tackles last year. He earned first-team all-conference honors there last year. He also was named all-district and all-region. Thomas was a third-team all-conference defensive lineman.
“(Graves is) one of the purest linebackers I have had the pleasure of coaching. We will look to him for leadership on both sides of the ball. As good as he is at linebacker, he is just as good on the offensive line.
Sophomore offensive and defensive lineman Montana Hacker rounds out the returning all-conference players for El Dorado Springs. He was third-team all-conference on the offensive line last year.
Other players to watch for El Dorado Springs include: Chad Ramsey (senior OL/DL), Michael Hart (junior RB/LB), Payton Green (junior OL/DL), Jake Cooper (sophomore OL/DL), Elmer Perdomo (junior OL/DL), Judd Kosko (WR/LB), Taylor Wingert (senior RB/LB), Zach Waggoner (junior WR/DB), Chance Esparza (junior RB/LB), Preston Smith (junior RB/WR/LB), Blake Johnson (OL/DL), Dalton Adams (TE/LB), Roger Partridge (senior OL/DL), Austin Hart (sophomore WR/DB) and Hunter Austin (junior WR/DB).
“This is going to be our second year within this program. With each year that goes on, the players will get better just by being a part and being familiar,” Beckner said. “I am excited for the opportunity to coach these young men. They are a great group to be around and group of really good athletes overall, as most are three-sport players. We will need to develop depth all over the field. With depth comes competition and with higher competition the better the performance on Friday night. This group is hungry but is not ready to get there be cutting corners. They are doing it the right way and I am blessed to be a part of it.”
El Dorado Springs opens the season on Aug. 28 at home against Stockton.
